When his 4th birthday came around, I still wasn't thrilled about the cupcakes or finding a "Brother Bear" piñata. But, for the first time, I wasn't completely dreading it. Perhaps because when you find yourself at rock bottom, not only are you forced to take action, you also learn to reach out and ask for help.
I could never replace Jill, but between those third and fourth birthdays I had managed to surround myself with similarly amazing people who helped me laugh at life’s setbacks, gave me unconditional support, and pushed me forward into new and greater challenges. I had learned that, as a single mother, it's OK to ask for help. Help can only make your life better.
I headed into that year’s milestone birthday still facing uncertainty about work and still alone, but somehow the uncertainty seemed rather exciting, and being alone no longer seems lonely. Happy Birthday, Son!
This year, my son turns 8. And the only thing I'm dreading is the party at a noisy arcade with 21 other 8-year-olds.
Things have definitely gotten better. While I'll always miss my friend Jill, thanks to my new set of fabulous friends, I'm no longer turning milestones into mountains. This article is dedicated to Dr. Jill E. Hungerford, 1965-1999.
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Flag as inappropriate Posted by relaxnsmile on 2nd January 2008